by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 29, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is awarding $309,000 in post-secondary scholarships to 103 local students. Supporting the future of Fayette County in this way is possible thanks to the generous donors from fifty (50) CFFC scholarship funds.
“Congratulations to these remarkable students,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek‑Bates. “With the wide range of scholarship funds entrusted to us, we are honored to support graduating seniors from all six Fayette County school districts, as well as many continuing post‑secondary students. Some of these students have earned CFFC scholarships year after year, and their dedication continues to inspire us.”
CFFC accepts applications from early February to early April through an online portal that matches students with scholarship opportunities based on eligibility requirements. Some awards are selected by the donors of the scholarship funds, while many others are reviewed by a dedicated group of volunteers who meet to discuss and recommend award selections.
“Each year, our scholarship volunteer reviewers give their time, care, and thoughtful attention to help us support Fayette County students,” said Hajek‑Bates. “Their dedication ensures that every application is read with fairness and compassion, and their commitment strengthens the integrity of our scholarship program. We are deeply grateful for their service and the meaningful role they play in shaping brighter futures for our students.”
Depending on a scholarship’s criteria, considerations include financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, area of study, school preference, community service, and other factors.
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2026-2027 CFFC Scholarship Awards
Alfred E. Jones & Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Bailey Lemansky
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Lucia Baker
Diondra Brown
Hannah Foster
Jackson Johns
Luke Martin
Sara Reed
Sevrin Vecchiola
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship Fund
Malcolm Patton
Valentina Gulino
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship Fund for Women
Morgan Armstrong
Burchinal Family Endowment Scholarship Fund
Tabitha Horvath
Madelyn Salisbury
Riley Rankin
Hailey Plavi
Kiley Kezmarsky
Joshua Burkett
Zoe Hughes
Career and Technical Education Scholarship Fund
Makenzie Foster
Julian Smith
Carl S. Micarelli Memorial Scholarship Fund
Tyler Williams
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship Fund
Jennifer Smith
Jenna Walls
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
Greta Shirk
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Lillian Beers
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Luke Gresh
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Fund
Charlee Wagner
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship Fund
Logan Hoffer
Dr. Paul Pipik Fund for Study in the Health Sciences
Madelyn Marks
Dr. William C. Thomas, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship
Karsyn Lucy
Josie Petrucci
Educate Fayette Scholarship
Khyler Tony
Edward T. Yezioro Memorial Scholarship
Aiden Glover
George M. and Anna Hochheimer Scholarship
Emily Dolan
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Eddie Palmer
Henry J. Opperman Scholarship Permanent Fund
Avery Lape
Hughes Family Scholarship
Taylor Irwin
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Delaney Hines
Alexa Lincoln
Logan Seese
Shiann Sullivan
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Jackson Johns
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Lucia Baker
Jackson Wade
Laurel Technical Institute Scholarship Fund in Memory of Ruth and Milton Decker
Makalia Morrell
Sierra Murphy
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship Fund
Brandy Sickles
Brynn Hibbs
Frances and George J. Plava Educational Award
Christopher Colgan
Zofia Radosevich
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Mia Fabery
Adam Pegg
Geno Farrel
Ava Clark
Kami Workman
Emma Mihalko
Maurice M. Bortz & Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Reed
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Ethan Doman
My Mother‘s Legacy Fund
Brianna Hensh
Nancy Flanegan McManus Nursing Scholarship
Gianna Radovich
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Hannah Foster
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Mia Fabery
Ethan Doman
Ava Setren
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Avery Lape
Lucia Baker
Jackson Johns
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Cameron Mickey
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship Endowment
Yelena Ford
Sam’s Symphony of Love Scholarship
David White
Sergeant Eric Hull Advised and Memorial Scholarship Funds
Riley Armstrong
Suzanne McMonagle Scholarship for Nursing
Lauren Colgan
The Garbart Memorial Scholarship
Lucas Salaway
Tolstoi Family Scholarship
Haylee Bill
Trinity Hatfield
Alyssa Sharp
Julian Smith
Brighten Spector
Ethan Syner
Natalie Ursiny
Mackenzie Victor
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Reed
Uniontown College Club Scholarship
Emily Pennington
Ava Sefcheck
Paisley Murtha
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Avery Lape
Lilly Show
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Hannah Proud
Paige Miller
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
College:
Caylee Balabon
William Barton
Jacqueline Maendel
Anthony Muccioli
Braylin Salisbury
Brianna Marzano
Steven Shearin
Natayah Moten
Emma Young
Anna Sedlak
Ava Crofcheck
Karsyn Lucy
Hannah Legarsky
Erica Rishel
Emily Sines
Grant Barcheck
High School:
Julia Lohr
Shiann Sullivan
Mia Fabery
Josie Petrucci
Alexa Gray
Hannah Foster
Ethan Doman
Geno Farrel
Jakylah Dressel
Logan Seese
Emma Hull
Christopher Colgan
Gia Gillott
Aaron Michaels
Abagale Kuhns
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Madison Grimm
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 7, 2026 | CFFC News
Fifteen (15) local nonprofits are receiving a total of $42,825 from the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) this spring. The spring grant cycle includes the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund, CFFC’s endowment for general grantmaking, and four (4) field of interest funds with specific areas of focus.
Building a Stronger Fayette Fund:
The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is CFFC’s community-rooted endowment, created to strengthen Fayette County today and for generations to come. Powered by local generosity, the fund invests directly back into the community as it supports nonprofits that reflect a shared commitment to help local residents thrive. The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is supported through several CFFC funds: the Fayette County Charities Endowment, the Franklin K. and Jean Smith Family Fund, GIVE Fayette County, the Levi Komarinski Memorial Fund, and the Thompson Fund.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region – Strengthening Recruitment Capacity
- Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County – Jacquie Fritts Memorial Resource Room
- East End United Community Center – Printer/Copier Upgrade
- Fayette County Community Action Agency, Inc. – Household Items for Emergency Housing Program
- German-Masontown Public Library – Upgrade for Public Service Computers
- Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, Inc. – Private Music Instruction Scholarship Program
- State Theatre Center for the Arts – Website Redevelopment and Modernization
- The Ks Foundation – Supporting Costs of Youth Sports Registrations
- The Salvation Army – Uniontown Corps – Enhancing Food Offerings at the Soup Kitchen
Burchinal Family Endowment Fund:
- Brownsville Ambulance Service, Inc. – CPAP & Pain Relief Equipment
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown – Home Away from Home for Fayette County Families
Community Beautification Fund:
- Great Meadows Garden Club – Blue Star Memorial and Civic Beautification Planters
Jack and Diane Hughes Family Fund:
- Twisted Tines – Gardening and Conservation Program
- Uniontown Public Library – Summer Reading Program
Mary and John J. Depcyrmski Memorial Fund:
- Crosskeys Human Services, Inc. – Meal Delivery Program for Seniors
“These grant awards reflect our foundation’s deep commitment to strengthening Fayette County – supporting projects that uplift children, empower families, and enhance the lives of older adults across our many towns,” said Jessica Hajek‑Bates, Chief Executive Officer. “As a community foundation, we’re driven to expand our grantmaking so we can champion even more nonprofits and fuel the transformative work they bring to our future.”
To learn more about CFFC’s grantmaking program, visit www.cffayettepa.org.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Aug 13, 2025 | CFFC News
A group of ninety-seven (97) local students are receiving a total of $252,890 in post-secondary scholarships from the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) for the 2025-2026 school year. These students were selected for awards from forty-five (45) scholarship funds held at the foundation, for the purpose of supporting local students in their pursuit of higher education.
Watch the slideshow!
Scholarship funds are created in honor or memory of a loved one, to support certain career paths, or to simply give back to the community. CFFC works with donors to determine criteria for each scholarship fund, including qualifications related to academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study, or school preference.
The foundation enlists the help of community volunteers to serve on the scholarship committees. “The volunteers carefully consider hundreds of applications and select students based on the criteria for each fund. Our team of reviewers is always so impressed with the bright students, and so we share our congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients and wish them all great success,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
“I will be attending Penn West California, majoring in biology and I plan to pursue a career in the medical field. I am beyond grateful for having received this scholarship as this will help me offset some of the tuition costs,” said Ms. Hannah Legarsky.
“I will be majoring in Computer Science and look forward to the opportunities and growth college will bring. These scholarships will make a meaningful impact on my journey, and I appreciate the confidence you’ve shown in my potential and future,” said Mr. Casey Karwatske.
Those interested in supporting higher education can donate to CFFC’s Educate Fayette Scholarship Fund or contact the foundation’s staff at 724-437-8600 to learn more about charitable giving options.
2025-2026 CFFC Scholarship Awards List
Alfred E. Jones, Jr. and Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Bailey Lemansky
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Delaney Angel
Cameryn Crouch
Luke Grimm
Jack Jeffries
Elle Mancini
Maddox McAllister
Jacob Shaffer
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship
Kylee Kurnot
Malcolm Patton
Valentina Gulino
Brooklyn WIlliams
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship for Women
Ashley Secrest
Burchinal Family Endowment
Grace Bosnic
Kirra Davis
Olivia Girasia
Kristy Pan
Riley Rankin
Erica Rishel
Jenna Schnatterly
Ashley Secrest
Mattalynn Schiffbauer
Michael Ulery
Lena Venersky
Career and Technical Education Scholarship
Brayden Tankalavage
Carl S. Micarelli Memorial Scholarship
Kadance Mickey
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship
Arianna Cooper
Daisy Sanders
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
Delaney Booker
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Grace Bosnic
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Jack Jeffries
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship
McKenna Shields
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship
Logan Hoffer
Dr. Paul Pipik Scholarship for Study in the Health Sciences
Gracie Mowry
Educate Fayette Scholarship
Kirra Davis
George M. and Anna W. Hochheimer Scholarship
Riley Rankin
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Benjamin Diamond
Henry J. Oppermann Scholarship
Cameron Stern
Hughes Family Scholarship
Elle Mancini
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Molly Rhodes
Caeden WIlliams
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Delaney Angel
Laurel Business Institute Scholarship Fund in Memory of Ruth and Milton Decker
Thomas Shaffer
Angelica Baeza
Joshua Curry-Jones
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Casey Karwatske
Maura Nagle
Lillian’s Legacy Scholarship
Autumn Bartos
Whitney Bobish
Savannah Tracy
Lena Venersky
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship
Brandy Sickles
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Autumn Bartos
Christopher Cook
Hannah Legarsky
Cadence Marrs
Morgan Matthews
Steven Shearin
Trey Whitehead
Emma Young
Maurice M. Bortz and Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Kelan Milsom
Melvin J. and Beatrice Vance Keller Memorial Scholarship
Abigail Humbert
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Jacob Kalich
My Mother’s Legacy Scholarship
Faith Bachinski
Anna Sedlak
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Delaney Angel
Whitney Bobish
Hannah Legarsky
Brianna Marzano
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Jadeyn Clymer
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Natalie Meyer
Delaney Reposky
Cameron Stern
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Lauren Klink
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Kadance Mickey
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship
Haley Filcheck
Sergeant Eric Hull Memorial Scholarship
Christopher Cook
Suzanne J. McMonagle Nursing Scholarship
Lauren Colgan
Tolstoi Family Scholarship
Kendra Firestone
Brianna Guziak
Ryleigh Jose
Dalton Kelley
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Casey Karwatske
Matthew Schwertfeger
Uniontown College Club CFFC Scholarship
Delaney Booker
Mia Medved
Anna Mitchell
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Kennedy Orndorff
Lily Show
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Ava Crofcheck
Nina D’Andrea
Lauren Klink
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
Caylee Balabon
William Barton IV
Austin Basinger
James Brown
Emily Burkus
Elli Cook
Yelena Ford
Grayden Gillott
Jocelyn Gratchic
Madison Gratchic
Luke Grimm
Jacqueline Maendel
Brianna Marzano
Paige Miller
Addison Milsom
Anthony Muccioli
Maximus Nassar
Emma Nicholson
Braylin Slaisbury
Steven Shearin
Sophia Solomon
Kaelyn Suba
Alexia Swisshelm
Emily Teeter
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Kristy Pan
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jan 12, 2022 | CFFC News, Grants, News Releases
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded over $20,000 in fall 2021 grants to local nonprofits and schools. CFFC supports a variety of funding areas, based on the interests of donors and the criteria they outline when creating a charitable fund.
The Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund awarded a total of $15,871 to Laurel Highlands School District and Uniontown Area School District for reusable items that will enhance the classrooms. Requested items that received funding include a flight simulator, book vending machine, items for autistic support/life skills sensory room, games, and technology enhancements for algebra classes.
The Burchinal Family Endowment Fund awarded a $1,500 grant to Don’t Stop Dreamin’ to support activities for their Fayette County skilled nursing residents.
The Idea Fund awarded a total of $2,200 to Geibel Catholic Junior Senior High School to enhance learning through a community history center and suturing supplies for anatomy classes.
The Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund awarded a $500 grant to Uniontown Area School District to support family and consumer science sewing projects.
To learn more about the impact of CFFC grant awards, visit the Building a Stronger Fayette page at www.cffayettepa.org. CFFC will soon be announcing grant applications for the spring 2022 cycle, which includes grant opportunities for arts, education, health and human services, community gardens, and more.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 21, 2021 | CFFC News, News Releases, Scholarships
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) will award over $160,000 in post-secondary scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year. Congratulations to the selected students!
Watch the scholarship award slideshow here! (also posted on our Facebook page)
Scholarship funds are created in honor or memory of a loved one, to support certain career paths, or to simply give back to the community. Generous donors who create and support these funds make it possible to award a wide selection of students each school year. Each scholarship has unique criteria, including qualifications related to academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study, or school preference.
“The CFFC Board of Directors would like to applaud all of the 2021-2022 scholarship recipients for their hard-earned accomplishments and achievements. We look forward to seeing how these students progress in their education, professions, and as members of the Fayette County community. We also want to thank the volunteers of the CFFC Scholarship Committee who reviewed hundreds of applications to select this year’s winners,” said Angela Braun, CFFC Scholarship Committee Chair.
CFFC hosted a “Snap & Go” Ice Cream Social for the scholarship recipients on May 25 at Hatfield Elementary School’s covered patio. Students “snapped” pictures to commemorate their accomplishment and took an ice cream treat “to go”.
Through the CFFC’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Access to Higher Education Program, qualifying students will have the opportunity to have their scholarship awards matched by the state.
Please visit the website at www.cffayettepa.org and follow CFFC on social media @cffayettepa to stay updated with the scholarship program and much more.